Airventure 2013

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Posted

Look what else I got that's super cool....

 

 

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Posted

Never seen the show but now I know where you were at 1pm on Aug 4. :-)

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Posted

It's pretty cool...

 

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Posted

Here's a few pics from OSH...

 

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I've always flown in, usually Weds., but the large EAA camping areas begin to fill up 1-2 weeks in advance of the show. This year Wittman Field had a new perimeter road and fence that played havoc with some folk's age-old camping spots. This was particularly true in the Ultralight camping area where I hoped to be, as my local scout informed me that the new road took out nearly 20% of the old ultralight camping spots. I did not want to camp out in the boondock general camping fields with no shower/toilet facilities or trams to the action so I quickly packed and left home Thurs. ~5pm.

 

Fortunately, when I arrived at 2pm Fri., there were only a handful of campers set up in the middle of the ultralight camping area and no one at all along the ultralight runway fence itself. For the first time, EAA also painted out 20'x30' sites in this area which was supposed to fit your tent/camper plus car. Yeah, right! I grabbed the end spot which was extra large, roped off the two adjoining sites for Russ and another NY camper who were arriving the following day and started to unload my trailer load of crap.

 

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I had driven through torrential rain from Chicago to Milwaukee and it started to hit OSH just as I raced to set up. No worries, a few rain delays and beers with the new neighbors later and everything was set. The day was cool and that evening got down to 45*F, same on Sat., the coolest weather I've ever experienced during AirVenture. The next photo looking over the ultralight runway threshold shows the proximity of the 18/36 L/R taxiway and runway. I usually camp in the amphib camping area between the ultralight and main runways, it's the perfect spot to view all the aircraft taking off and landing and soak in the late afternoon airshows while sipping cocktails under your wing.

 

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Very glad I arrived when I did. After setting up the camp I took a bike ride to the main gate to see the vendor and large aircraft displays being setup. When I returned to my site a couple hours later here's what I found!

 

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We are doing a kitchen remodel at home so my wife packed two large boxes of food from the pantry and, of course, I added plenty of liquids. Looks like 7 or 8 coolers and the trailer was full, all in all made for a very comfortable week an a half. Sure was different than flying in to aircamp under your wing with hardly more than a toothbrush and clean underware. A guy could get used to this!

 

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Posted

Being right along the ultralight runway meant for some good close up action. Nothing like waking up at 7am sharp to the sound of a 1/2 VW with straight pipes firewalling the throttle for the first of many T&G circuits. Well, much better unzipping your tent to watch before rolling out of the sack! If it wasn't planes, it was helo's or trikes or PPC's. The action never stops...

 

Here's a Kitfox 4-1050 w/582 that got into a pizzing contest each day with a new Just Highlander Super STOL.

 

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Some kind of expensive, streamlined weight shift that landed at about 60mph and wobbled like crazy in the X-wind. Thought he was going to dump it more than once. Not-for-me scary!

 

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This neat little homebuilt only had the 1/2 VW but performed better than a single seat SkyRaider.

 

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Not sure what kind these PPC's are??

 

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I do know that this is a flying lawnchair you couldn't pay me enough to strp on. I think the pilot looks scared to death in the photo!

 

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And to prove you can see all kinds of aircraft on the ultralight field, here's a $200k+ Carbon Cub with optional Alpha Omega Suspension and Executive glass Panel practicing his short field work. Not surprising, very impressive climb rate!

 

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Posted

The daily airshows are always fun.

 

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Here's Russ catching a routine from the comfort of camp.

 

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My cell phone can't do it justice so here's some highlight video:

 

 

The night airshow is very cool, in fact, it is so popular they did two this year. Performers included:

  • AeroShell Aerobatic Team (T-6s)
  • Bob Carlton (jet sailplane)
  • Matt Younkin (Beech 18)
  • Gene Soucy (Showcat)
  • Steve Oliver (Super Chipmunk)
  • Roger Buis (Otto the Helicopter)
  • Rich's Incredible Pyro (pyrotechnics)

I particularly like the jet glider and aerobatic helicopter. They must have several hundred pounds of pyrotechnics on those things, and not little sparklers either. Big mortars! Some highlights:

 

 

If you've never seen 6,000 gallons of fuel oil explode, check this video:

 

http://youtu.be/AZjt8uKl39U

 

The 350mph 'Shockwave' jet semi truck has been to OSH before. It has 3 jet engines, total 36,000HP, +6 G's WOW!

 

Shockwave racing Patty Wagstaff!

 

http://youtu.be/enDp8X9R_7o

 

Shockwave in night show!

 

http://youtu.be/6fpDh0MfsdU

 

Concert by Chicago was disappointing IMHO, good songs but played too slow. Shoulda had a rockin' opening show! Gary Sinese and the Lt. Dan Band id great, loved them last time and again this year. They Rock! I did like watching the old venue vs. Aeroshell Square location. World Premier of Disney's Planes drew 15,000+ to the 5-story screen at the Fly-In Theater, I really enjoyed the movie.

 

There is just so much to see and do, put it on your Bucket List before the FAA holds it hostage again or shuts it down.

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Posted

What Doug said...

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Posted

Tried to grab a pic or two of Larry and Dave departing OSH on Sun., had to zoom waaay up with my phone sorry.

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Posted

Here's something you don't see everyday and when I caught a glimpse of those racks in a field near the Seaplane Base I did a U-turn to grab these pics.

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Posted

It was a great time!  Glad to see you again Doug!

 

 

Lets do it again next year!!!

 

 

 

Who else is in??

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Posted

Man I gotta go!!! I'm going to have to make a decision between Johnson Creek and Osh this year I think since I'm going to Alaska in the Spring.

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Posted (edited)

I gotta place for you to stay if you can make it over.  I'll even pick you up at the local commercial hub, CWA.  You can fly over with me and stay in the camper for the week.  

 

Goes for you too, Leni.

Edited by Av8r3400

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Posted

:drool3:  :drool3:  :buttrock:

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Posted

Here's something you don't see everyday and when I caught a glimpse of those racks in a field near the Seaplane Base I did a U-turn to grab these pics.

elk burgers on da hoof :)

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